‘Not Something We’re Used To Doing In New York’

Rep. Pete King just Tweeted a video of himself introducing the newest member of New York’s congressional delegation, Rep. Bob Turner, shortly after his swearing in on the floor of the House this morning.

Turner’s surprise win in NY-9 on Tuesday brings the number of Republicans in the delegation back to eight. (For you CapTon viewers, both myself and state GOP Chairman Ed Cox miscounted during last night’s show and mistakenly pegged the number at six, with Turner as the seventh).

King is the dean of the GOP portion of NY’s delegation and was once one of just two Republican members – along with ex-Rep. Chris Lee, whose seat is now held by a Democrat. The Long Island lawmaker joked at the outset of his remarks that “this is not something we’re used to doing in New York.”

He got some laughs and a smattering of applause. King called Turner “a great friend and a great human being” who will make an “outstanding congressman.” Rep. Charlie Rangel, a Harlem Democrat and dean of the delegation, then presented Turner to the House, and the newbie congressman received hearty cheers and a standing ovation.

Turner has some catching up to do when it comes to learning the rules of the House. He mistakenly started speaking before being formally recognized by House Speaker John Boehner. Turner took being interrupted by Boehner in stride, turning to the speaker and asking: “Now?”

Turner pledged never to forget that he had been elected in an “important bipartisan election,” adding: “It’s the only way it can be done in New York City.” In other words, no matter how thrilled GOP leaders are about Turner’s win, if they think they’ve got aanother Tea Partier in their midst, they’re wrong.